TV Q&A: 'Sons of Anarchy,' Christmas specials

Q. Is the scar on Gemma's chest on "Sons of Anarchy" real or fake? They have never explained why it's there or how she got it. — Dale, 62, North Carolina

ROB OWENPittsburgh Post-Gazette

Q. Is the scar on Gemma's chest on "Sons of Anarchy" real or fake? They have never explained why it's there or how she got it. — Dale, 62, North Carolina

A. It's fake.

While the scar is not explained, it is referenced in the series' pilot, according to an FX publicist. When baby Abel is born, he requires surgery. It's explained that he has "a bad heart" and Gemma states that this condition "runs in the family."

The fake scar is a tattoo that's applied during the hair and make-up process before filming.

A. It doesn't appear to be. They're soliciting cast members for a second season.

Q. Is "Dirty Soap" on E! coming back for a second season? — Debra, 54, Kramsky, Pa.

A: It's too soon to say, according to an E! publicist. The season finale only aired last month.

Q. I'm wondering whatever happened to a Christmas special called "A Gift to Last" that starred Melvyn Douglas. I watched it on a PBS station a number of years ago and then it just disappeared — as did "The House Without a Christmas Tree," one of the "Addie" stories. I thought they were outstanding programs and far superior to many of the (poorly) animated Christmas specials available now. — Joyce, 64, Pittsburgh

A. I'd never heard of "A Gift to Last," and now I know why: Evidently it was a 1976 Canadian import. TV shows come and go, and if they're not popular, and it seems like this one probably was not, then they go away. Nothing lasts forever, even if it's recorded on film. "A Gift to Last" does not appear to be available on DVD.

"The House Without a Christmas Tree," from 1972, appears to have had more staying power: It's available on DVD, and someone has cut it up and posted it as a multipart file to YouTube.